Valais Running 2026

Valais Running begins in Sion, the capital of Valais, which organizers note as Switzerland's oldest city, with Valère and Tourbillon castles overlooking the town. Taking place in July, it features 5 km and 10 km road races on fast paved paths with minimal elevation gain. These courses appeal to runners aiming for a personal best as well as those seeking a simple city run. The 7 PM start time lends the race a late-day atmosphere, potentially turning slower finishes into a night run. The course is named La Boucle des Passerelles Sédunoises, or the loop of Sion's bridges, as it crosses seven bridges and footbridges within its 10 km. Participants will run alongside the Rhône for a portion of the course before returning through the city center on predominantly flat terrain, avoiding technical trails. The race kicks off a full weekend in Sion, which includes Swiss National Day festivities and a cyclosportive event, drawing a diverse crowd of runners, cyclists, tourists, and families enjoying the region.